BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device and a method for controlling
the inkjet recording device.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] In inkjet recording apparatuses, ink which adheres to a face surface (a surface of
an ejection port) of a recording head including the ejection port (a nozzle) which
ejects ink disturbs normal ink ejection in some cases. In particular, when a plurality
of inks which mutually have reactive properties are used, when an image is formed
using reaction liquid and ink, or when ink is solidified by ultraviolet rays, micro
waves, or heat so that toughness is improved, removal of ink which adheres to the
face surface is difficult. In order to address a state in which defect of ejection
may be invited due to ink which adheres to a face surface, general inkjet recording
apparatuses include a wiping member which wipes ink which adheres to a face surface.
In general, a wiper made of rubber is used as the wiping member. The wiper performs
an operation of wiping a face surface so as to sweep ink away (wiping) (refer to Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No.
10-157090). As an example, a wiper is disposed on a movement track of a face surface of a recording
head, and the face surface is wiped by the wiper when the recording head moves from
a recording region to a waiting position. When the wiping operation is not to be performed,
the wiper moves to a retracting position so as not to make contact with the face surface.
With this configuration, the face surface may be wiped without deteriorating throughput
of a recording operation.
[0003] However, in some types of ink, it is difficult to wipe a face surface only by the
wiping operation since liquid components of ink which adheres to the face surface
evaporates before the wiping operation is performed. Specifically, high wiping performance
such as strong wiping on a face surface is requested depending on types of ink when
compared with a case where normal ink is used.
[0004] When residues of solidified ink tend to remain on the face surface even after the
wiping operation, an absorbent wiping member of a sheet shape may be used. An inkjet
recording apparatus including a mechanism of wiping a face surface by making such
a sheet wiping member come contact with the face surface has been proposed in Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No.
2003-300329. Furthermore, an inkjet recording apparatus in which cleaning liquid is supplied
to a wiper so that improved wiping performance is attained has been proposed in Japanese
Patent No.
2962964. Furthermore, a head cleaning apparatus for wiping and cleaning a nozzle is disclosed
in
US 2010245466.
[0005] disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2003-300329, in the wiping mechanism including the absorbent wiping member of a sheet shape,
in general, the wiping member is accommodated in a body of the recording apparatus
in a rolled state, and the wiping member is successively reeled out so as to be used
for an operation of wiping the face surface. A portion which has been used by the
wiping operation and has absorbed ink is moved from a position to be contact with
the face surface and an unused portion is newly supplied to the position to be contact
with the face surface so as to stand by for the next wiping operation. Thereafter,
when the entire accommodated wiping member is reeled out and used, the used wiping
member is detached and a new wiping member is attached to the body of the recording
apparatus instead. In this configuration, when an unused portion of the wiping member
accommodated in the recording apparatus becomes small, the following problems arise.
[0006] First, in a case where a wiping operation is performed during a recording operation,
a wiping member may run out during the recording operation after a printing job is
newly started. In general, in a recording operation, image data to be recorded is
converted into recording data and the recording data is supplied from a printer driver
of a host computer to an inkjet recording apparatus. Then the inkjet recording apparatus
performs a recording operation while colors to be ejected, nozzles, and the number
of paths are controlled in accordance with the received recording data. However, in
particular, a large inkjet recording apparatus deals with a large amount of data representing
an image to be formed in many cases, and therefore, a long period of time is used
by such an inkjet recording apparatus to receive entire recording data depending on
capability of the host computer or communication environment. If recording is to be
started after the entire recording data is received, the inkjet recording apparatus
enters a waiting state until the reception is completed, and therefore, throughput
is lowered. Therefore, such a large inkjet recording apparatus starts recording when
receiving a predetermined amount of recording data instead of the entire recording
data, and thereafter, the large inkjet recording apparatus performs an operation of
receiving the recording data and a recording operation in parallel in many cases.
In this case, there arises the problem in that a wiping member runs out during the
recording operation as described above. Specifically, since the recording operation
is started before the entire recording data is received, the total number of times
the wiping operation is performed during the recording operation is not obtained when
the recording operation is started. Therefore, an amount of use of the wiping member
in the recording operation has not been determined, and if a remaining amount of an
unused portion of the wiping member is small, the wiping member may run out during
the recording operation. If the wiping member runs out, the recording operation is
not continued, and therefore, the recording operation is temporarily stopped when
the remaining amount of the unused portion of the wiping member becomes small and
the user is prompted to replace the wiping member. However, if the recording operation
is interrupted in the inkjet recording apparatus, different colors may be obtained
in an image before and after the interruption of the recording operation and quality
of the image may be deteriorated.
[0007] Second, an amount of a waste unused portion of the wiping member may be increased.
In a case where the total number of times the wiping operation is performed during
the recording operation is calculated in advance, an amount of an unused portion of
the wiping member accommodated in the inkjet recording apparatus may not be enough
for an amount of the wiping member to be used. In this case, in order to prevent the
wiping member from running out during the recording operation, the wiping member is
replaced by a new one before the recording operation is started even when an unused
portion remains. Therefore, the wiping member including the unused portion is discarded.
In particular, when large image data is to be recorded, and therefore, a large amount
of a wiping member is used by one recording operation, even when an unused portion
of the wiping member is comparatively large, the wiping member is replaced by a new
one if the unused portion of the wiping member is slightly short of an amount of the
wiping member to be used for one recording operation. Therefore, a large amount of
an unused portion of the wiping member is discarded, resulting in large waste of cost
and sources. This problem may arise when a recording operation is started after entire
recording data is received so that an amount of the wiping member to be used is determined
while deterioration of throughput is accepted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus and an
inkjet recording method which are capable of performing an operation of appropriately
recovering an ejection surface while a wiping member does not run out during a recording
operation.
[0009] The present invention in its first aspect provides an inkjet recording apparatus
as specified in claims 1 to 10.
[0010] The present invention in its second aspect provides a method for controlling an inkjet
recording apparatus as specified in claims 11 to 14.
[0011] Accordingly, an appropriate recovery operation may be performed while a wiping member
does not run out during a recording operation.
[0012] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following
description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013]
Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a main section of an inkjet recording
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit included in the inkjet recording apparatus
of Fig. 1 in an enlarged manner.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a controller included in the inkjet recording
apparatus of Fig. 1.
Figs. 4A to 4F are diagrams illustrating a wiping operation of an inkjet recording
method performed by the inkjet recording apparatus.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the wiping operation of the inkjet recording apparatus.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control of the wiping unit included in the inkjet
recording apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0015] Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a main section of an inkjet recording
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A configuration of
the inkjet recording apparatus will be described. A plurality of ejection ports 1001
to 1004 which individually eject inks of various colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan,
and black are disposed on an ink ejection surface (face surface) 1010 of a recording
head 1000. The inks of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are supplied to the corresponding
ejection ports 1001 to 1004 from ink tanks, not illustrated. The ejection ports 1001
to 1004 include respective electrothermal transducers therein. When receiving electric
signals in accordance with driving signals, the electrothermal transducers heat, generate
bubbles in the inks, and eject the inks from the ejection ports 1001 to 1004 by pressure
of the bubbles.
[0016] The recording head 1000 is disposed on a carriage 1100 which is driven in a rotation
manner by a carriage motor, not illustrated, so as to intermittently perform reciprocation
scanning in a main scanning direction (X direction) while being guided by a guide
shaft 1110. A platen 1200 which supports a recording-target medium (printing sheet)
is disposed in a position facing a movement track of the carriage 1100 in a recording
region of the recording head 1000.
[0017] A capping mechanism including a cap 1020 which performs capping on the ejection ports
1001 to 1004 is disposed in a waiting position which faces the movement track of the
carriage 1100 and which is located outside the recording region (a side of the platen
1200). The cap 1020 performs reciprocation movement in a Z direction between a capping
position and a separation position by means of a general method. The cap 1020 is connected
to a pump 1022 and includes an ink absorber 1021. In the capping position, the cap
1020 may suppress evaporation of liquid components (solvents) included in the inks
from the ejection ports 1001 to 1004 by covering the ink ejection surface 1010 which
includes the ejection ports 1001 to 1004 disposed thereon and which is disposed on
the recording head 1000. Furthermore, the capping mechanism performs a suction recovery
operation of forcibly sucking the inks from the ejection ports 1001 to 1004 by operating
the pump 1022 in a state in which the cap 1020 performs capping on the ink ejection
surface 1010 of the recording head 1000.
[0018] A wiping unit 1030 (refer to Fig. 2) which wipes the face surface 1010 is disposed
in a position between the platen 1200 and the cap 1020 which opposes the movement
track of the face surface 1010 at a time of scanning performed by the carriage 1100.
The wiping unit 1030 includes a wiping member 2001, a supply roller 2002, a guide
roller 2003, a conveying roller pair 2004, a reeling roller 2005, a pressure member
2006, a lifting cam 2007, and a lifting-cam rotation shaft 2008.
[0019] The wiping member 2001 of a sheet shape is wound on the supply roller 2002 in a roll
shape, and one end of the wiping member 2001 is drawn from the supply roller 2002
and fixed to the reeling roller 2005. The wiping member 2001 may be made of porous
urethane foam, melamine foam, or non-woven fabric using polyolefin, PET, or nylon.
In this embodiment, the wiping member 2001 has absorbency and is impregnated with
wiping liquid in advance. As the wiping liquid, liquid which improves performance
of wiping of inks which adhere to the face surface 1010 is preferably used, and specifically,
liquid including water, a surface acting agent, and a solvent may be used.
[0020] By performing wiping using such a wiping member, even when ink including a solvent
which is easily volatilized and which has a low boiling point, ink which includes
a large amount of polymer so that pigments are dispersed, or ink which causes aggregation
due to small dispersibility of pigments, which is difficult to be removed by normal
wipers, is used, the face surface 1010 may be maintained in a preferable state. Note
that examples of the solvent which is easily volatilized and which has a low boiling
point include low molecular alcohol such as IPA (isopropyl alcohol), ketones such
as MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), and esters such as ethyl acetate.
[0021] Furthermore, it is apparent that inks having functionality attained by phase transition
caused by evaporation or heat or attained by change caused by evaporation such as
dispersion breaking and solidification caused by increase of density due to evaporation
of liquid components are more difficult to be removed when compared with the inks
described above. However, when such a wiping member is used, such inks may be removed
and the preferable state of the face surface 1010 may be maintained.
[0022] The wiping member 2001 is suspended between the supply roller 2002 and the reeling
roller 2005 and is guided by the guide roller 2003 and the conveying roller pair 2004
between the supply roller 2002 and the reeling roller 2005. The wiping member 2001
is conveyed along the main scanning direction of the carriage 1100 by rotation of
the conveying roller pair 2004 included in a wiping unit conveying mechanism, successively
passes positions which face the movement track of the face surface 1010, and is reeled
by the reeling roller 2005. Furthermore, the wiping member 2001 which is once reeled
may be reeled back to the supply roller 2002 by reverse rotation of the conveying
roller pair 2004. The pressure member 2006 which is made of a rubber elastic body
is disposed so as to face a portion of the wiping member 2001 which extends in a straight
line by being guided by the guide roller 2003 and the conveying roller pair 2004.
The pressure member 2006 abuts on the lifting cam 2007 which is rotated when being
driven by a driving mechanism (not illustrated) using the lifting-cam rotation shaft
2008 as a center. Accordingly, when the lifting cam 2007 is rotated using the lifting-cam
rotation shaft 2008 as the center, the pressure member 2006 may move up and down so
as to move close to or separate from the wiping member 2001.
[0023] A controller which controls operation of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described
with reference to Fig. 3. The controller of the inkjet recording apparatus is connected
to a host computer 2500 through a USB interface or the like. The controller of the
inkjet apparatus includes a reception buffer 2010 which receives data from a printer
driver 2510 which is software stored in the host computer 2500. The reception buffer
2010 and storage units (a RAM 2030, a ROM 2040, and an NVRAM 2050) are connected to
a central processing unit (CPU) 2020. A head driver 2070, a motor driver 2060, a sensor/switch
controller 2080, and a wiping unit controller 2090 are also connected to the CPU 2020.
The RAM 2030 is a memory which temporarily stores recording data and the like received
by the reception buffer 2010. The ROM 2040 is a memory which stores programs, fixed
data, and the like which are used to control various operations of the inkjet recording
apparatus. The NVRAM 2050 is a nonvolatile memory which stores information to be stored
even after power of the inkjet recording apparatus is turned off. The motor driver
2060 drives various motors 2065 such as the carriage motor and a conveying motor.
The head driver 2070 drives the recording head 1000. The sensor/switch controller
2080 controls sensors and switches 2085. The wiping unit controller 2090 drives the
lifting cam 2007 of the wiping unit 1030, controls rotation of the conveying roller
pair 2004, and manages a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member
2001.
[0024] Next, a recording operation of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment
will be described. The printer driver 2510 of the host computer 2500 generates recording
data from a document or image data such as a photograph to be recorded in accordance
with a recording instruction issued by a user and transmits the recording data to
the reception buffer 2010 of the inkjet recording apparatus. The recording data stored
in the reception buffer 2010 is transferred to the RAM 2030 under control of the CPU
2020 and temporarily stored in the RAM 2030. In accordance with the recording data,
the CPU 2020 activates the various motors 2065 through the motor driver 2060 using
the programs, the fixed data, and the like which are stored in the ROM 2040 and the
NVRAM 2050. Specifically, a recording-target medium is intermittently conveyed in
a Y direction (a depth direction) on the platen 1200 by an intermittent operation
of the conveying motor, and the carriage 1100 is intermittently conveyed in an X direction
by an intermittent operation of the carriage motor. When the carriage 1100 moves through
a position facing the recording-target medium which is stopped, the inks are ejected
from the ejection ports 1001 to 1004 at an appropriate timing so as to adhere to the
recording-target medium. The movement of the recording-target medium in the Y direction,
the movement of the carriage 1100 in the X direction, and the ejection of the inks
are alternately performed so that recording (image forming) is performed on the recording-target
medium.
[0025] A case where the wiping operation is performed on the face surface 1010 of the recording
head 1000 during the recording operation will be described with reference to Figs.
4 and 5. First, the CPU 2020 issues an instruction for starting the wiping operation
to the wiping unit controller 2090 in accordance with a counting value representing
the number of times ejection of inks is performed, time measurement performed by a
timer, or measurement of recording duty (in step S101). Then the CPU 2020 activates
the wiping unit controller 2090 so that the lifting cam 2007 of the wiping unit 1030
is driven to be rotated. The pressure member 2006 moves the wiping member 2001 from
a retracting position (refer to Fig. 4A) in which the wiping member 2001 does not
come into contact with the face surface 1010 of the recording head 1000 to an advanced
position (refer to Fig. 4B) in which the wiping member 2001 may come into contact
with the face surface 1010 (in step S102). In this state, the CPU 2020 activates the
carriage motor using the motor driver 2060 so that the carriage 1100 moves from a
waiting position illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B to a position facing the platen 1200
(refer to Fig. 1) (in step S103). When the recording head 1000 at least arrives at
a position facing the wiping unit 1030, the wiping member 2001 which is pushed up
by the pressure member 2006 abuts on the face surface 1010 so as to perform the wiping
operation as illustrated in Figs. 4C and 4D. Specifically, the face surface 1010 is
wiped by the clean wiping member 2001 so that mist and fine dust which have adhered
to the face surface 1010 are removed.
[0026] When the carriage 1100 passes over the position facing the wiping unit 1030 (in step
S104) as illustrated in Fig. 4E, the pressure member 2006 moves the wiping member
2001 from the advanced position (second position) to the retracting position (first
position) as illustrated in Fig. 4F (in step S105). Thereafter, the reeling roller
2005 is driven to be rotated at a constant speed so that the wiping member 2001 is
fed from the supply roller 2002 to the reeling roller 2005 by a predetermined amount
(in step S106). By this, a portion of the wiping member 2001 which has been used for
the wiping operation moves from the position to be contact with the pressure member
2006, and an unused portion arrives at the position to be contact with the pressure
member 2006. By this, the portion used by the wiping operation of the wiping member
2001 is successively reeled by the reeling roller 2005 and an unused portion is successively
drawn from the supply roller 2002. A general encoder and a reading sensor (not illustrated)
are disposed on the rotation shaft of the conveying roller pair 2004, and the number
of times the rotation shaft is rotated is managed by the wiping unit controller 2090
at all times. Therefore, a conveying amount of the wiping member 2001 may be controlled
when the wiping unit controller 2090 controls the number of times the conveying roller
pair 2004 is rotated.
[0027] When the driving of the conveying roller pair 2004 is stopped and the carriage 1100
moves from the position facing the platen 1200 after the carriage 1100 moves in the
X direction and the ink ejection is performed, for example, the state illustrated
in Fig. 4A is obtained again and the next wiping operation is enabled. When the operations
in step S101 to step S106 are repeatedly performed as described above, the operation
of wiping the face surface 1010 may be performed until the wiping member 2001 which
is wound on the supply roller 2002 in advance runs out.
[0028] The operation of wiping the face surface 1010 may be performed without deteriorating
throughput of the recording operation since the operation is performed during the
recording operation making use of the scanning of the carriage 1100. Even when mist
generated in the recording operation adheres to the face surface 1010, the mist may
be immediately removed. Note that the wiping operation may be performed when the waiting
state is entered after the recording operation is performed or when the inkjet recording
apparatus is not powered. Furthermore, the series of operations illustrated in Figs.
4A to 4F may be performed every time reciprocation scanning is performed by the carriage
1100 the predetermined number of times. For example, when an image is formed using
a small amount of ink, an amount of generated mist is small. Therefore, if the wiping
operation is performed only once every time the reciprocation scanning is performed
the predetermined number of times, high ink ejection performance of the recording
head 1000 may be maintained.
[0029] Note that, although the case where the wiping operation is performed while the scanning
is performed by the carriage 1100 in a backward direction toward the platen 1200 (-X
direction) is described in Figs. 4A to 4F, the wiping operation may be performed while
the scanning is performed by the carriage 1100 in a forward direction (+X direction).
Alternatively, the wiping operation may be performed in the scanning in both of the
backward direction and the forward direction.
[0030] In this embodiment, since the number of times the conveying roller pair 2004 is rotated
is managed by the wiping unit controller 2090 at all times, the wiping unit controller
2090 may calculate a total amount of the conveyed wiping member 2001 using the total
number of times the conveying roller pair 2004 is rotated. By this, an integrated
use amount of the wiping member 2001 is obtained, and in accordance with the integrated
use amount, an amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001, that is, a remaining
amount, may be obtained by the wiping unit controller 2090 through calculation.
[0031] A process performed when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member
2001 becomes small according to the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to a flowchart illustrated in Fig. 6.
[0032] First, when the host computer 2500 issues a recording instruction to the inkjet recording
apparatus which is in a waiting state, the reception buffer 2010 starts reception
of recording data (in step S201). Thereafter, it is determined whether a remaining
amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 obtained as described above
is smaller than a predetermined first threshold value (in step S202). The first threshold
value is larger than an estimated total use amount of the wiping member 2001 to be
used when it is assumed that the wiping operation is performed every time the reciprocation
scanning is performed by the carriage 1100 when an image having the maximum size in
one printing job is formed in the recording device. Specifically, when a remaining
amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is equal to or larger than the
first threshold value, the wiping member 2001 does not run out during a recording
operation for one printing job. When it is determined that a remaining amount of the
wiping member 2001 is equal to or larger than the first threshold value in step S202,
the reception buffer 2010 starts a recording operation as soon as the reception buffer
2010 receives a predetermined amount of recording data (in step S210). The predetermined
amount of recording data is not an amount of the entire recording data for one printing
job (recording data for one page) but an amount of recording data smaller than the
amount of the entire recording data. Specifically, the recording operation (in step
S210) is performed in parallel to the operation of receiving the recording data continuously
performed. After the entire recording operation for one printing job (recording for
one page) is terminated (in step S211), it is determined whether a printing job to
be performed next (a next page to be recorded) exists (in step S212). When the determination
is affirmative, reception of recording data is started again (in step S201), and it
is determined whether a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member
2001 is smaller than the first threshold value (in step S202). When the remaining
amount of the unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is equal to or larger than
the first threshold value, the recording operation (in step S210 and step S211) and
the determination as to whether a next page exists (in step S212) are performed. As
described above, as long as a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping
member 2001 is equal to or larger than the first threshold value, the operations in
step S201, step S202, and step S210 to step S212 are repeatedly performed. After the
recording operation of all pages is terminated (that is, when a printing job to be
executed next does not exist), the recording operation is terminated (in step S213)
and a waiting state is entered again.
[0033] When a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is smaller
than the first threshold value in step S202, the unused portion of the wiping member
2001 may run out during the recording operation for one page. When a remaining amount
of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is smaller than the first threshold
value, the recording operation is not started and a waiting state is entered until
reception of the recording data for one page (for one printing job) is completed even
after the reception buffer 2010 receives a predetermined amount of recording data
(in step S203). Then, information representing that a remaining amount of an unused
portion of the wiping member 2001 is small is displayed for the user so that the user
prepares a spare wiping member 2001. After the reception of the recording data for
one page is completed, an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used in a recording
operation to be performed in accordance with the recording data (an estimated use
amount) is calculated (in step S204). In this embodiment, a use amount (a conveying
amount) of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping operation and a timing when the wiping
operation is performed (the number of times reciprocation scanning is repeatedly performed
by the carriage 1100 before the wiping operation is performed) are determined in advance.
Accordingly, an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used may be obtained in advance
using the number of times the wiping operation is performed for each recording data,
and the amount serves as a reference value.
[0034] The remaining amount of the unused portion of the wiping member 2001 and the amount
of the wiping member 2001 to be used in a recording operation for one page (reference
value) are compared with each other (in step S205). When the remaining amount of the
unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is equal to or larger than the reference
value, a recording operation is started (in step S221). When all the recording for
one page is terminated (in step S211), it is determined whether the next page exists
(in step S212). When the next page exists, the operations in step S201 to step S205,
step S221, step S211, and step S212 are performed again (as long as a remaining amount
of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is equal to or larger than the reference
value). By this, the recording operation is performed on all pages, and after the
recording operation is terminated (in step S213), a waiting state is entered again.
Note that, in the repeat of the steps, since it is apparent that it is determined
that a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is smaller
than the first threshold value in step S202, the operation in step S202 may be omitted.
[0035] In the process described above, when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the
wiping member 2001 is smaller than an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used
for the recording operation for one page (reference value) (in step S205), the remaining
amount of the unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is compared with a second threshold
value (in step S206). The second threshold value will now be described. In this embodiment,
a use amount of the wiping member 2001 for one wiping operation and the number of
times the wiping operation is performed in the recording operation for one page are
set in advance such that the use amount and the number of times the wiping operation
is performed are changeable to such an extent that image quality is not considerably
deteriorated. A ratio of an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used in a case
where a use amount of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping operation and the number
of times the wiping operation is performed are changed to an amount of the wiping
member 2001 to be used in a normal condition before the change is made (the reference
value in step S204 and step S205) is set as the second threshold value. This setting
will now be described.
[0036] In general, a use amount (a conveying amount) of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping
operation and the number of times the wiping operation is performed during a recording
operation for one page are determined taking balance of cleaning effect of the face
surface 1010, durability of the recording head 1000, and a use amount of the wiping
member 2001 into consideration. Specifically, if the durability of the recording head
1000 is sacrificed to some extent, a use amount of the wiping member 2001 may be reduced.
For example, it is assumed that a use amount (a conveying amount) of the wiping member
2001 per one wiping operation is 3 mm and the wiping operation is performed once every
three reciprocation scanning operations of the carriage 1100 under a normal wiping
condition. In this case, change is made such that the use amount (the conveying amount)
of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping operation is reduced to 2.5 mm and the wiping
operation is performed once every four reciprocation scanning operations of the carriage
1100. A ratio of an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used after the change is
made to an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used in the normal condition before
the change is made is 62.5%. With this degree of change of the condition, a recording
operation may be performed on several pages without drastically deteriorating the
ink ejection performance of the recording head 1000. Therefore, in this embodiment,
the second threshold value is set to 62.5%. Note that, although the ink ejection performance
of the recording head 1000 is not immediately deteriorated due to the change of the
condition, the durability of the recording head 1000 is deteriorated in the long run.
Accordingly, such condition change is performed as a special treatment only when a
remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 becomes small.
[0037] When the ratio of a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001
to an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used in a normal condition is equal to
or larger than the second threshold value in step S206, a condition of the wiping
operation is changed so that almost the entire wiping member 2001 is used when the
recording operation for one page is terminated. Then the recording operation is started
under the changed condition (in step S207). After the recording operation for one
page is terminated, information representing that the wiping member 2001 has run out
is displayed for the user so as to prompt the user to replace the wiping member 2001
by a new one (in step S208). When the replacement performed by the user is completed,
the inkjet recording apparatus enters a waiting state again (in step S209).
[0038] On the other hand, when it is determined that a remaining amount of an unused portion
of the wiping member 2001 to an amount of the wiping member 2001 to be used in the
normal state is smaller than the second threshold value in step S206, change of the
wiping condition is not performed since image quality is deteriorated. Accordingly,
a recording operation is not started and information representing that the wiping
member 2001 has run out is displayed for the user so as to prompt the user to replace
the wiping member 2001 by a new one (in step S208). After the replacement performed
by the user is terminated, the inkjet recording apparatus enters a waiting state again
(in step S209).
[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, when a remaining amount of an unused portion
of the wiping member 2001 becomes small, a condition of the wiping operation (for
example, a use amount of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping operation and frequency
of the wiping operation) is changed to such an extent that image quality is not considerably
deteriorated. However, when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping
member 2001 is too small, it is not possible to suppress deterioration of image quality,
and accordingly, a recording operation is stopped. In ether case, even when a remaining
amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 becomes small, a problem in
which the wiping member 2001 runs out during a recording operation does not arise.
Furthermore, since an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is used as much as
possible by changing a condition of the wiping operation, an amount of discarding
of the unused portion of the wiping member 2001 may be suppressed when compared with
general methods. Accordingly, cost may be suppressed and resource may be efficiently
utilized.
[0040] Note that, when the wiping condition is changed as described above, it is highly
likely that the face surface 1010 of the recording head 1000 becomes dirtier at a
time when a recording operation is terminated than a case where the wiping operation
is performed under the normal condition. Therefore, in order to maintain the high
ink ejection performance of the recording head 1000, the suction recovery operation
may be performed by the capping mechanism before the next recording operation is started
so as to refresh the face surface 1010. Alternatively, in order to recover the high
ink ejection performance of the recording head 1000, the suction recovery operation
may be performed immediately after a recording operation is terminated. It is apparent
that the suction recovery operation may be performed before and after a recording
operation. Furthermore, it is efficient that, when the wiping condition is changed,
the number of times a preliminary ejection operation is performed after a wiping operation
is larger than the number of times the preliminary ejection operation is performed
after a normal wiping operation so that fixing of ink is prevented. Furthermore, when
the wiping condition is changed, a suction recovery operation attaining a suction
recovery effect larger than general recovery operations may be performed so that the
face surface 1010 which is dirtier is refreshed, and the number of times suction is
performed in the suction recovery operation may be increased when compared with the
general recovery operations. Alternatively, immediately after the wiping member 2001
is replaced by a new one, the wiping operation may be performed by the new one. Furthermore,
although not illustrated, an optical ejection state detection mechanism or an electric
ejection state detection mechanism may be provided so as to detect an ejection state
after a recording operation under a changed wiping condition. In this case, when an
error is detected in the ejection state, the suction recovery operation and the wiping
operation may be specially performed a number of times. It is apparent that the processes
described above performed to maintain and recover the high ink ejection performance
may be appropriately combined with one another.
[0041] According to this embodiment, when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the
wiping member 2001 of a sheet shape is large, reception of recording data and a recording
operation may be performed in parallel, and accordingly, efficient recording may be
performed while deterioration of throughput is suppressed. Furthermore, when a remaining
amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 of a sheet shape is small, a
recording operation is not started until calculation of an amount of the wiping member
2001 to be used in the recording operation is completed. Accordingly, the wiping member
2001 is prevented from running out during the recording operation in advance. In addition,
when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is slightly
short of an amount to be used, a wiping condition (frequency of a wiping operation
in a recording operation and a use amount of the wiping member 2001 per one wiping
operation) is changed to such an extent that image quality is not deteriorated and
a recording operation is executed. Accordingly, the wiping member 2001 is utilized
as much as possible while the wiping member 2001 is prevented from running out during
a recording operation. Only when a remaining amount of an unused portion of the wiping
member 2001 is too small and change of a wiping condition to such an extent that image
quality is not deteriorated is not possible, replacement of the wiping member 2001
is prompted without starting a recording operation. By this, a discarding amount of
an unused portion of the wiping member 2001 is suppressed, cost is suppressed, and
waste of resources is suppressed.
[0042] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary
embodiments.
1. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising:
a recording head (1000) which includes an ejection surface (1010) having a plurality
of ejection ports (1001 to 1004) which eject ink;
a carriage (1100) which includes the recording head and performs reciprocation scanning;
a wiping unit (1030) which includes a wiping member (2001) which wipes the ejection
surface and reeling means (2005) arranged to reel the wiping member; characterized in that the apparatus further comprises:
staining means (2090) arranged to obtain a remaining amount of the wiping member;
estimation means (2090) arranged to estimate a use amount of the wiping member in
accordance with recording data; and
control means (2090) arranged to control the wiping unit in accordance with the remaining
amount and the use amount.
2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the control means performs control such that a reeling amount in a first case
where the remaining amount is smaller than the estimated use amount becomes smaller
than a reeling amount in a second case where the remaining amount is equal to or larger
than the estimated use amount.
3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein, when the reeling amount in the first case is employed, an image is not deteriorated.
4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3,
wherein the control means prompts a user to replace the wiping member after a recording
operation for one page is terminated in the first case.
5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the control means performs control such that the number of times a wiping
operation is performed during a recording operation for one page in a first case where
the remaining amount is smaller than the estimated use amount becomes smaller than
the number of times a wiping operation is performed during a recording operation for
one page in a second case where the remaining amount is equal to or larger than the
estimated use amount.
6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5,
wherein the control means prompts a user to replace the wiping member when it is determined
that it is not possible to perform the control without deteriorating image quality
in accordance with the remaining amount and the estimated use amount.
7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 6,
wherein the estimation means estimates the use amount in accordance with recording
data for one page.
8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 7,
wherein the wiping member performs a wiping operation on the ejection surface while
the carriage performs scanning on the wiping member.
9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 8,
wherein the wiping unit further includes a pressure member (2006) which moves the
wiping member to a position to be contact with the ejection surface, and
the wiping member is moved to the position by the pressure member before the wiping
unit performs a wiping operation.
10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 9,
wherein the wiping member is impregnated with liquid.
11. A method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus which includes a recording
head including an ejection surface having a plurality of ejection ports which eject
ink and a wiping unit including a wiping member and reeling means arranged to reel
the wiping member,
characterized in that the method comprises:
obtaining a remaining amount of the wiping member;
estimating a use amount of the wiping member in accordance with recording data; and
controlling the wiping unit in accordance with the remaining amount and the estimated
use amount.
12. The method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising:
wiping the ejection surface using the wiping member of the wiping unit; and
reeling the wiping unit using the reeling means after the wiping.
13. The method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11 or
claim 12,
wherein, in the controlling, control is performed such that a reeling amount per one
reeling operation in a first case where the remaining amount is smaller than the use
amount becomes smaller than a reeling amount per one reeling operation in a second
case where the remaining amount is equal to or larger than the use amount.
14. The method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11 or
claim 12,
wherein, in the controlling, control is performed such that the number of times a
wiping operation is performed during a recording operation for one page in a first
case where the remaining amount is smaller than the use amount becomes smaller than
the number of times a wiping operation is performed during a recording operation for
one page in a second case where the remaining amount is equal to or larger than the
use amount.
1. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung umfassend:
einen Aufzeichnungskopf (1000), der eine Ausstoßoberfläche (1010) enthält, die mehrere
Ausstoßöffnungen (1001 bis 1004) aufweist, die Tinte ausstoßen;
einen Schlitten (1100), der den Aufzeichnungskopf enthält und Hinundherscannen durchführt;
eine Abwischeinheit (1030), die ein Abwischelement (2001) enthält, das die Ausstoßoberfläche
abwischt, sowie eine Aufspuleinrichtung (2005), ausgebildet um das Abwischelement
aufzuspulen;
gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Vorrichtung ferner umfasst:
eine Ermittlungseinrichtung (2090), ausgebildet, um eine Restmenge des Abwischelements
zu ermitteln;
eine Abschätzeinrichtung (2090), ausgebildet, um eine Verbrauchsmenge des Abwischelements
gemäß Aufzeichnungsdaten abzuschätzen; und
eine Steuereinrichtung (2090), ausgebildet, um die Abwischeinheit gemäß der Restmenge
und der Verbrauchsmenge zu steuern.
2. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinrichtung
die Steuerung derart durchführt, dass eine Aufspulmenge in einem ersten Fall, in dem
die Restmenge kleiner als die abgeschätzte Verbrauchsmenge ist, kleiner wird als eine
Aufspulmenge in einem zweiten Fall, in dem die Restmenge gleich oder größer der abgeschätzten
Verbrauchsmenge ist.
3. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei, wenn die Aufspulmenge
im ersten Fall verwendet wird, ein Bild nicht verschlechtert wird.
4. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei die Steuereinrichtung
einen Benutzer auffordert, das Abwischelement auszutauschen, nachdem ein Aufzeichnungsvorgang
einer Seite im ersten Fall beendet wird.
5. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinrichtung
die Steuerung derart durchführt, dass die Häufigkeit, mit der ein Abwischvorgang während
eines Aufzeichnungsvorgangs einer Seite durchgeführt wird in einem ersten Fall, in
dem die Restmenge kleiner als die abgeschätzte Verbrauchsmenge ist, kleiner wird als
die Häufigkeit, mit der ein Abwischvorgang während eines Aufzeichnungsvorgangs einer
Seite durchgeführt wird in einem zweiten Fall, in dem die Restmenge gleich oder größer
der abgeschätzten Verbrauchsmenge ist.
6. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die Steuereinrichtung
einen Benutzer auffordert, das Abwischelement auszutauschen, wenn festgestellt wird,
dass es nicht möglich ist, die Steuerung ohne Verschlechtern der Bildqualität gemäß
der Restmenge und der abgeschätzten Verbrauchsmenge durchzuführen.
7. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Abschätzeinrichtung
die Verbrauchsmenge gemäß Aufzeichnungsdaten für eine Seite abschätzt.
8. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei das Abwischelement
einen Abwischvorgang an der Ausstoßoberfläche durchführt, während der Schlitten ein
Scannen am Abwischelement durchführt.
9. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8,
wobei die Abwischeinheit ferner ein Druckelement (2006) enthält, welches das Abwischelement
in eine Position bewegt, um mit der Ausstoßoberfläche in Kontakt zu stehen, und
das Abwischelement durch das Druckelement in die Position bewegt wird, bevor die Abwischeinheit
einen Abwischvorgang durchführt.
10. Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei das Abwischelement
mit Flüssigkeit getränkt ist.
11. Verfahren zum Steuern einer Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung, die einen Aufzeichnungskopf
enthält, der eine Ausstoßoberfläche enthält, die mehrere Ausstoßöffnungen aufweist,
die Tinte ausstoßen, und eine Abwischeinheit, die ein Abwischelement enthält, sowie
eine Aufspuleinrichtung, ausgebildet um das Abwischelement aufzuspulen,
gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das Verfahren umfasst:
Ermitteln einer Restmenge des Abwischelements;
Abschätzen einer Verbrauchsmenge des Abwischelements gemäß Aufzeichnungsdaten; und
Steuern der Abwischeinheit gemäß der Restmenge und der abgeschätzten Verbrauchsmenge.
12. Verfahren zum Steuern einer Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 11,
ferner umfassend:
Abwischen der Ausstoßoberfläche unter Verwendung des Abwischelements der Abwischeinheit;
und
Aufspulen der Abwischeinheit unter Verwendung der Aufspuleinrichtung nach dem Abwischen.
13. Verfahren zum Steuern einer Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 11
oder 12, wobei beim Steuern die Steuerung derart durchgeführt wird, dass eine Aufspulmenge
pro Aufspulvorgang in einem ersten Fall, in dem die Restmenge kleiner als die Verbrauchsmenge
ist, kleiner wird als eine Aufspulmenge pro Aufspulvorgang in einem zweiten Fall,
in dem die Restmenge gleich oder größer der Verbrauchsmenge ist.
14. Verfahren zum Steuern einer Tintenstrahlaufzeichnungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 11
oder 12, wobei beim Steuern die Steuerung derart durchgeführt wird, dass die Häufigkeit,
mit der ein Abwischvorgang während eines Aufzeichnungsvorgangs einer Seite durchgeführt
wird in einem ersten Fall, in dem die Restmenge kleiner als die Verbrauchsmenge ist,
kleiner wird als die Häufigkeit, mit der ein Abwischvorgang während eines Aufzeichnungsvorgangs
einer Seite durchgeführt wird in einem zweiten Fall, in dem die Restmenge gleich oder
größer der Verbrauchsmenge ist.
1. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre comprenant :
une tête d'impression (1000) qui comprend une surface d'éjection (1010) comportant
une pluralité d'orifices d'éjection (1001 à 1004) qui éjectent de l'encre ;
un chariot (1100) qui comprend la tête d'impression et effectue un balayage à va-et-vient
;
une unité d'essuyage (1030) qui comprend un élément d'essuyage (2001) qui essuie la
surface d'éjection et un moyen d'enroulement (2005) agencé pour enrouler l'élément
d'essuyage ; caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend, en outre :
un moyen d'obtention (2090) agencé pour obtenir une quantité restante de l'élément
d'essuyage ;
un moyen d'estimation (2090) agencé pour estimer une quantité d'utilisation de l'élément
d'essuyage en fonction des données d'impression ; et
un moyen de commande (2090) agencé pour commander l'unité d'essuyage en fonction de
la quantité restante et de la quantité d'utilisation.
2. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication 1,
dans lequel le moyen de commande réalise une commande de manière qu'une quantité d'enroulement,
dans un premier cas où la quantité restante est inférieure à la quantité d'utilisation
estimée, devienne inférieure à une quantité d'enroulement dans un second cas où la
quantité restante est supérieure ou égale à la quantité d'utilisation estimée.
3. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication 2,
dans lequel, lorsque la quantité d'enroulement dans le premier cas est employée, une
image n'est pas détériorée.
4. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication
3,
dans lequel le moyen de commande invite un utilisateur à remplacer l'élément d'essuyage
une fois qu'une opération d'impression pour une page est terminée dans le premier
cas.
5. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication 1,
dans lequel le moyen de commande réalise une commande de manière que le nombre de
fois où une opération d'essuyage est effectuée, au cours d'une opération d'impression
pour une page, dans un premier cas où la quantité restante est inférieure à la quantité
d'utilisation estimée, devienne inférieur au nombre de fois où une opération d'essuyage
est effectuée, au cours d'une opération d'impression pour une page, dans un second
cas où la quantité restante est supérieure ou égale à la quantité d'utilisation estimée.
6. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 5,
dans lequel le moyen de commande invite un utilisateur à remplacer l'élément d'essuyage
lorsqu'il est déterminé qu'il est impossible de réaliser la commande sans détériorer
la qualité d'image en fonction de la quantité restante et de la quantité d'utilisation
estimée.
7. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 6,
dans lequel le moyen d'estimation estime la quantité d'utilisation en fonction des
données d'impression pour une page.
8. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 7,
dans lequel l'élément d'essuyage réalise une opération d'essuyage sur la surface d'éjection
tandis que le chariot réalise un balayage sur l'élément d'essuyage.
9. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 8,
dans lequel l'unité d'essuyage comprend, en outre, un élément de pression (2006) qui
déplace l'élément d'essuyage jusqu'à une position pour une mise en contact avec la
surface d'éjection, et
l'élément d'essuyage est déplacé jusqu'à la position par l'élément de pression avant
que l'unité d'essuyage réalise une opération d'essuyage.
10. Appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 9,
dans lequel l'élément d'essuyage est imprégné de liquide.
11. Procédé pour commander un appareil d'impression par jet d'encre qui comprend une tête
d'impression comprenant une surface d'éjection comportant une pluralité d'orifices
d'éjection qui éjectent de l'encre et une unité d'essuyage comprenant un élément d'essuyage
et un moyen d'enroulement agencé pour enrouler l'élément d'essuyage,
caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à :
obtenir une quantité restante de l'élément d'essuyage ;
estimer une quantité d'utilisation de l'élément d'essuyage en fonction des données
d'impression ; et
commander l'unité d'essuyage en fonction de la quantité restante et de la quantité
d'utilisation estimée.
12. Procédé pour commander un appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication
11, comprenant, en outre, les étapes consistant à :
essuyer la surface d'éjection par utilisation de l'élément d'essuyage de l'unité d'essuyage
; et
enrouler l'unité d'essuyage par utilisation du moyen d'enroulement après l'essuyage.
13. Procédé pour commander un appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication
11 ou la revendication 12,
dans lequel, au cours de la commande, la commande est réalisée de manière qu'une quantité
d'enroulement par opération d'enroulement unique, dans un premier cas où la quantité
restante est inférieure à la quantité d'utilisation, devienne inférieure à une quantité
d'enroulement par opération d'enroulement unique, dans un second cas où la quantité
restante est supérieure ou égale à la quantité d'utilisation.
14. Procédé pour commander un appareil d'impression par jet d'encre selon la revendication
11 ou la revendication 12,
dans lequel, au cours de la commande, la commande est réalisée de manière que le nombre
de fois où une opération d'essuyage est effectuée au cours d'une opération d'impression
pour une page, dans un premier cas où la quantité restante est inférieure à la quantité
d'utilisation, devienne inférieur au nombre de fois où une opération d'essuyage est
effectuée au cours d'une opération d'impression pour une page, dans un second cas
où la quantité restante est supérieure ou égale à la quantité d'utilisation.